France to propose UNSC ceasefire resolution: Macron to Netanyahu

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
25 Mar 2024 00:12
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In a phone call with Netanyahu, Macron denounces "Israel's" actions in Gaza and the West Bank, and reveals France is working on a draft resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron after a joint press conference in occupied al-Quds, Tuesday, October 24, 2023. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the forced displacement of Palestinians from Rafah is tantamount to a war crime.

During a phone call between the two officials, Macron explicitly denounced "Israel's" seizure of 800 hectares of land in the West Bank to build more illegal settlements, the French president's office reported.

Previously, France strongly denounced the Israeli decision to build 3,500 settlements on occupied Palestinian territories, calling it "unacceptable, illegal, and irresponsible," while urging for an immediate reversal, especially taking into consideration the tense situation in the occupied West Bank in light of the war on Gaza.

France underlined that the expansion of settlements into Palestinian territories must cease, calling it a unilateral action that undermines the prospect of a "two-state" solution.

Macron also reiterated his stance against an invasion of Rafah, which currently hosts over a million displaced Palestinians. He declared France's intention to suggest a permanent and immediate ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council and urged Netanyahu to open all crossing routes into Gaza.

France, Jordan condemn Rafah invasion plan

Macron also held talks with Jordan's monarch, King Abdullah II, to discuss the "unjustifiable humanitarian situation in Gaza," according to Macron's office. Regarding "Israel's" deliberate starving of Palestinian civilians, both leaders said it was "unjustifiable" for "Israel" to impose the risk of famine on them.

In particular, the leaders reiterated the need for a "two-state" solution that would establish a Palestinian state that includes Gaza.

In February, Macron addressed "Israel's" plan to invade Rafah, saying any Israeli military operation in Rafah would trigger an "unprecedented humanitarian disaster."

"An Israeli offensive in Rafah could only bring about an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in this conflict," the president said in a joint presser with King Abdullah II.

As the Rafah invasion would spark immeasurable escalations in the region, Macron stated that regional tensions must be contained and avoided, particularly in Lebanon and the Red Sea.